"Talking Book" is the fifteenth studio album by American singer, songwriter, and musician Stevie Wonder, released on October 27, 1972, by Tamla, a subsidiary of Motown Records. This album, along with Music of My Mind, is often seen as the beginning of Wonder's "classic period," characterized by his innovative use of keyboards and synthesizers.
The album reached number three on the Billboard Top LPs chart and was third on Billboard's year-end chart for 1973. Notable singles include "Superstition," which topped the Billboard Hot 100 and Hot Soul Singles charts, and "You Are the Sunshine of My Life," which also reached number one on the Hot 100 and Easy Listening charts. Talking Book earned Wonder his first Grammy Award, with "You Are the Sunshine of My Life" winning Best Male Pop Vocal Performance. "Superstition" won awards for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance and Best R&B Song. The album is frequently included in lists of the greatest albums of all time, ranked number 322 in Colin Larkin's All Time Top 1000 Albums and number 59 in Rolling Stone's "500 Greatest Albums of All Time."
Recording for Talking Book occurred alongside Music of My Mind, during which Wonder began to enjoy greater artistic freedom from Motown. This shift marked his evolution from a youthful prodigy to an independent and experimental artist. In 2000, Wonder reflected on the album, noting it was about expressing various feelings, including political and social views, as well as the complexities of love.
Musically, the album features Wonder's innovative keyboard work, particularly with synthesizers. Tracks like "Maybe Your Baby" showcase a funky edge, while the Hohner Clavinet on "Big Brother" evokes acoustic guitar sounds. The harmonica work adds folk and blues influences, and "Superstition" is noted for its iconic Clavinet sound. Wonder played most instruments himself, with contributions from musicians like Jeff Beck and Ray Parker Jr.
The album's cover, photographed by Robert Margouleff, shows Wonder in cornrows, jewelry, and a velvet kaftan. Original pressings included the album's title and Wonder's name embossed in braille, along with a message from Wonder expressing his emotions through music.
